Magistrate Dzul Elmy Yunus made the order following an application by defence counsel Ram Singh for his client, Piluta Samad, the Daily Express reported.

The magistrate ordered Piluta, 71, to undergo psychiatric observation at Hospital Mesra for 30 days.

Ram said the medical assessment was necessary, based on his interview and observations of his client’s words and behaviour.

He added that the accused is a heart patient on medication.

The court fixed May 15 for case mention.

On Feb 27, Piluta, who is self-employed, was charged with the murder of an undocumented woman named Hamidah Husin, also known as Lisa, on Feb 11 between 6pm and 7pm at a house on Jalan Sepanggar in Kota Kinabalu.

No plea was recorded as murder cases fall under the jurisdiction of the High Court.